St Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church -

We begin this effort in the midst of what most commentators agree will be known to history as the “Crash of 2008,” and which has had a direct impact upon many of us. I hope, however, that the current economic climate will help us all refocus on those things that are really important to us, those places in our lives that mean the most to us, and for which we are most grateful. Tough economic times provide an opportunity for our stewardship to truly be intentional. In this way we can come to see real stewardship as more than writing a cheque, but as the sharing and offering back to God of our resources and of the financial, intellectual, and technical gifts we have been given, as well as of our very precious time.

In reflecting with you a few weeks ago about the meaning and impact of the current financial crisis, I reminded us that, “through all our fear, through all our stress and anxiety, God loves us steadfastly; through all our fear, through all our stress and anxiety, our parish church stands on the corner of 87th Street and West End Avenue as a beacon of hope and light.” As members of this Parish Church we have many things for which to be thankful. We are a community that shows us the love of God, that loves and cares for us, and that can support us in an amazing variety of ways. We are a community that values including all people in its midst and that welcomes the stranger. We are a community that values “inquiring and discerning hearts” and encourages “the gift of joy and wonder in all God’s works,” as the Prayer Book puts it in the Baptismal rite. We are a community that responds to the Glory of God with beautiful and inspiring liturgy and music that also helps train us to see God’s Kingdom breaking through into our lives in the world. This is the kind of community we need more than ever in our increasingly complex and fragmented world, and especially in this City and in these times.

If you believe that this Church, its ministries and witness, are important to you, then we hope you will discern a real call to support us and support us as generously as possible. If you want this Church to stand as a testimony to the God who calls us into community and sends us out into the world to be ministers of love and reconciliation, then I hope you will discern the call to give generously of the gifts you have been given. If you are personally grateful to God for everything you have been given and grateful to this church for its work and life, then I hope you will discern the call to be a part of what God is achieving in this place.

Saint Ignatius is a relatively small parish church without a significant endowment and, therefore, relies heavily on you, its members, to support our worship and music, our mission and ministry. Last year, our pledges accounted for $222,000 of our $400,000 budget. This is a wonderful tribute to all of you and to what a small group can do when they think something is important. Here you will find a printable, mail-in pledge card for 2009 and I would ask each and every one of you to pray carefully about what you will do. I especially encourage those of you who can to consider increasing your pledge and those of you who did not pledge last year to please do so. Everyone pledging helps us determine our budget for the coming year and allows us to continue our important work together.

In the coming weeks you will be hearing from a member of the Stewardship Committee who will wish not only to discuss your financial support for Saint Ignatius, but will want to hear how you feel about the life and work of the parish and know what gifts and talents you may have to share. Please receive this person as warmly as you receive the stranger and do not hesitate to be in touch with me or the Stewardship Committee Chairman, if you have any questions or concerns.

As always, I remain,

Faithfully yours,

Andrew C. Blume+
Rector